11/11/2025
Happy Veterans Day! Thought it was fitting to share this again.
A gentleman and story I will remember for the rest of my life.
A Vietnam War Vet came into our store in 2019. I could tell right away he had a deep fascination with bettas the way he would pick up their jar and observe them. We got to chatting about to how he got into bettas.
He was serving for our country during the Vietnam War. He mentioned how rough it was in the jungle with all the blood, destruction and bullets flying right by his head. During all the fighting and chaos as he laid for cover in the rice patties, he would look down by his feet and see bettas swimming along side his boots.
Even during one of the most gruesome wars in history, he took a little moment to enjoy the fish. Thank you for your service Cesar and for sharing your story with me.
This reminds me of how important a healthy “distraction” like an aquarium is. This is one of the main reasons I decided to return to this industry and hobby after 2 years hiatus. The world we live in has only gotten crazier and we have only become more divided as humans. One thing that can bring us together is wonderful hobbies such as this fish hobby we love so much.
We are thankful for all who have served and are currently serving.
- Tamed Waters
